Editorial: Take comfort in emergency response

Crystal HatfieldPublished: July 12, 2006 12:00AM

To look for a silver lining in the clouds that stormed through the Loudonville-Perrysville area Monday evening, which resulted in the worst flooding the area has seen in decades, one needs only to look at the comforting response from area safety forces.
Mondays thunderstorms dumped as much as 6 to 10 inches of rain in southern Ashland County, and the area was hit hard by flash flooding. Roads and bridges were washed out, homes flooded and damaged, cars washed away, people were stranded and trees fell.
Area safety forces responded with diligence. From the dispatchers who made sure help got to where it was needed to the State Highway Patrol, County Highway Department, police departments, County Sheriffs Office, area fire departments, the Ashland chapter of the American Red Cross and others, crews performed their duties as expected, and yet added a comforting touch for those feeling helpless in the storms aftermath. And for those who could not be reached by automobiles, crews traveled by boats in the most heavily flooded areas.
The Red Cross set up evacuation centers at Kettering-Samaritan Health Center and the Loudonville High School gym, providing dry shelter, food and beverages and even a play area for children.
While much damage has been done as a result of Mondays storms, there was potential for much greater harm loss of life. Fortunately, we were spared from that.
Numerous campers at Loudonville area campgrounds were stranded, forced to leave their belongings and vehicles behind as they took shelter in evacuation centers. A woman on County Road 3275 reportedly was trapped in her home. And it was reported several people who had been canoeing on the river when the storm hit were rescued by safety forces.
In addition to rescue personnel, residents also pitched in to help fellow neighbors, as they always seem to do in times of despair.
One family camping at Mohican State Park was trapped in its trailer after a tree fell on it. Other campers pitched in to remove the tree and help get the occupants out. One Loudonville resident helped free a motorist from a ditch on Township Road 3234. And neighbors are helping neighbors clear debris and clean up around their homes.
Much work lies ahead from the aftermath of Mondays storms. However, its comforting to know law enforcement agencies and rescue personnel can and will respond when needed, as they did Monday. Its also nice to know our neighbors are there to lend a hand, as well. Thats just what Ashland Countians do.